Progress and Plugging Right Along - 10.21.09

I was determined to get cranking on my list crossing-off this week.  Sunday morning, I hopped up out of bed, got in the shower, and said to myself in an empowering way, "Self, we will not be late to church today!" 

We were only 5 minutes late.  And that included kid-drop off.  That was *really* close.  Ben was not late to choir Sunday afternoon (though 5:15 does always sneak up on us).  And Monday morning, I was *early* even....until I couldn't find my keys.  Because they were in Sam's jacket pocket.  At work with him.  It's okay.  I'm looking at it as good practice.  Maybe each day I'll get a little earlier (and I have), and it won't be so difficult to make it on time.

I also started getting up earlier, in an effort to be more in sync with Sam.  I haven't been getting up at 4:45 like him, but I do get up around 5:15 or 5:30.  He goes in so early, and understandably gets tired early in the evening, whereas, I'm bright eyed and bushy tailed from sleeping in until 6:30 or so.  I am turning over a new leaf.  By getting up early, I can pack lunches without rushing, get in a workout, do random chores that would otherwise wait for me to get home from work, drink an extra cup of coffee, lots of things!  Despite the fact that my children have decided to join me on the endeavor to wake up early (Abby's turn was Monday, Sarah's turn was Tuesday, and Ben's turn was today), it has been really great.  I feel less stressed, energized, and I'm actually tired at a reasonable hour.  Who knew?  Maybe one of these days I'll actually enjoy the whole morning to myself!  (One can dream.)

Newly in progress this week:
14. Make my bed every day for two weeks before leaving for work. (3/14)  I've heard it takes 21 times of repetition to make a new habit.  I might just continue this one.  It takes less than a minute to do and keeps the kids from getting my sheets all gritty.  Score!
16. Set up an ING savings account for Ben, Abby, and Sarah.  Waiting to confirm my bank account.
17. Eat every meal at home and bring my lunch to work everyday for a week.(16/21) Since Friday, we've eaten every meal at home or brought lunch from home.  This challenge isn't just for me, but also for Sam.
18. Sell something on Ebay.  Made a listing this morning to get rid of Sam's old Onkyo receiver.  Fingers crossed we can get a bite on it.  I just want it to be gone!
28. Complete a 30 Day Challenge on EA Active. (3/30)  I think I will actually be home for 30 consecutive days so this was a good time to start!  And it works out especially well coinciding with my early rising.
35. Read the Bible in 365 days. (Day 1: October 14th, 2009)  I've set up an account on christianity.com that gives me the passages to read each day so that I'm on a schedule.  This works really well for me!
37. Get up early enough for Church AND Sunday School for an entire month.(1/4)  Check for week 1!  (This is a ridiculous goal, I know.  It should be easy, but it's not!)
48. Take treats to the kids' teachers once a month. (1/33)  The one on my list that I'm most looking forward to!  I love baking.  Last night I made pumpkin cheesecake tarts out of gratitude for the love and learning opportunities that the kids' teachers provide day in and day out.